Legislative incumbents hold on in early returns

by Mary Jo Pitzl - Aug. 29, 2012 12:24 AMThe Republic | azcentral.com

Redistricting altered the political landscape, but it was showing little effect on incumbents at the state Legislature: In early returns, most of the incumbents seeking re-election to their current seats appeared headed for wins.

For former Senate President Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, the results dashed his hopes for a comeback bid, as businessman Bob Worsley took an early lead and never let go.

Many of the races that will most affect the tone of the next Legislature are in the Senate. Those races offer a contrast between pragmatic vs. ideological approaches to policy.

Sen. Rich Crandall, R-Mesa, defeated Rep. John Fillmore, R-Apache Junction, in the East Valley's District 16. The campaign showcased the stark differences between the two lawmakers: Fillmore with his plainspoken "tea party" platform and Crandall as the smooth, experienced pragmatist. Crandall held on to a narrow lead all night.

In the House, Speaker Andy Tobin, R-Paulden, easily turned back a challenge from Sen. Lori Klein, R-Anthem. Klein opted to make a bid for the House rather than run against Senate President Steve Pierce in a newly redrawn District 1.

Klein tapped national support, notably from former presidential contender Herman Cain and Samuel "Joe the Plumber" Wurzelbacher, as she attempted to paint the the three-term Tobin as a liberal.

But Tobin, bolstered by a healthy campaign war chest and a strong base in the Yavapai County-based district, said he was confident the assaults would fail.

"The attacks will fall on deaf ears, as they have in past years," he said in a telephone interview earlier Tuesday from Tampa, where he was attending the GOP convention. Tobin was an early Mitt Romney supporter.

Rep. Karen Fann, R-Prescott, finished a solid second place in the three-way contest, in which the top-two finishers advance to the Nov. 6 general election. Fann is seeking a second term at the Statehouse.

In the northeast Valley, Rep. Michelle Ugenti, R-Scottsdale, easily fended off a challenge from former Scottsdale school-board member Jennifer Petersen in a closely watched GOP primary. Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, locked up the other House seat from District 23, earning a fourth term.

In north Phoenix's District 15, John Allen edged out a lead over Rep. David Burnell Smith for the second seat in the GOP House primary. However, the margin was very narrow and late-arriving ballots had yet to be counted. Rep. Heather Carter dominated the four-candidate field to claim the other GOP seat.

Rural Arizona produced the few exceptions to the "incumbents rule" theme.

In western Arizona's District 5, Rep. Nancy McLain lost her bid to move to the state Senate. Physician Kelli Ward won in a three-way race that also featured Sam Scarmardo.

In the sprawling District 13, which extends from the West Valley into Yuma, Rep. Russ Jones, R-Yuma, lost to the ticket of Steve Montenegro and Darin Mitchell. Montenegro, R-Litchfield Park, is seeking a third term and had teamed up with newcomer Mitchell.

On the Democratic side, Sen. Robert Meza of Phoenix sent challenger Raquel Terán packing after a fierce battle for the District 30 seat. Their race offered a contrast of styles, with Meza touting his behind-the-scenes approach to constituent matters while Terán said the west Phoenix district needed a vocal advocate.

The Democratic House race in District 30 also reflected some of the testy tone of the Senate race, as newcomer Jonathan Larkin and defeated Meza's running mate and partner Mike Snitz for an open seat. Rep. Debbie McCune Davis of Phoenix, a legislative veteran, chalked up another victory to retain the seat she's held for the last two years.

In the central Phoenix/south Scottsdale District 24, Rep. Katie Hobbs trounced former state Sen. Ken Cheuvront as the two waged a hard-fought battle for an open Senate seat.